What Is A Finsta? Actually, It Might Be The Best Thing For Your Teenagers!

There’s really only one of two reasons you’re here. I mean, I know you’re searching for the answer to “ what is a finsta ”…but…there’s only one of two reasons you’re doing that.

You’re a curious teen who overheard someone else talking about their finsta

You’re a parent trying to find out what your kids are up to

Okay, well maybe there’s other reasons like you’re just curious…or…you just love reading my blog posts. Whatever. Let’s get to it.

What Is A Finsta?

Now, before we do anything else, you need to know that “Finsta” is not a new app…it’s not a new high-school drug…it’s not a new “dating-trend”. (Man I’m starting to feel old here – I swear I’m not!)

It’s actually way more simple than that, and…in a few minutes, you’ll see why I think it’s actually the best thing your kids are probably doing right now. (Most of the time.)

So what does Finsta mean?

Finsta = F(ake) Insta(gram)

I know, creative huh? Look, kids can be creative but they’re a hell of a lot more efficient than they are creative these days. You know what I’m talking about.

They’ll always find the shortest route to getting something done – which by the way, is not a bad thing…in fact, it’s how innovators, entrepreneurs and millionaires are made!

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, Finsta. Well, if you’ve got a daughter, it’s probably no surprise that teenage girls are the pioneers and main users of these accounts. And, to cut a potentially long story short…they’re using them to post anything funny, embarrassing, raunchy…or…just downright not suitable for their real Instagram.

BUT WAIT!

Before you start to panic…probably because I used the word raunchy…you need to know a few things.

First of all…

Why Are Your Kids Creating Finstas?

A quick stroll down the top results on Google for “ what is a finsta ” will bring back a bunch of articles answering that exact question – usually with a recommendation that you should worry your ass off and start some sort of mission to spy, snoop…and even…create your own Finsta to attempt to snoop their Finsta.

Just. Don’t.

Listen to me: Your kids want privacy. They want to be able to express themselves in private and they sure as hell don’t want to feel like the people they trust most in the world…are the ones interrogating them and snooping through their phones.

You invading their privacy isn’t going to fix that problem. In fact, I think you know it would make it worse.

Now, I’m not a parent. I’m not a parenting expert. I’m not a psychologist or a therapist. I’m just giving you another perspective – like a friend would do.

And, to be honest, the way I see it. Finstas are (mostly) a good thing.

We live in a materialistic world…and…Instagram is the top, bottom and everything in between of that materialisticness (no, that’s not a real word – but I claim it, thank you)!

It has become a portfolio of beautiful women, ripped guys, rich kids, richer celebrities, luxury cars, luxury houses, travellers seeing places most people dream about…and…fashion brands – who generally show off the first two things on this list.

Your kids are part of that world. They will put more effort into their next Instagram post than they will put into their homework. You can bet on it. I’d go as far as to say they spend more time on Instagram per week than they spend on that homework…plus…the time they spend eating food. You know, so they can stay alive at least until their next post.

But here’s the thing…

A Finsta Is A Way To Show Their Real Personality

It’s ironic that they’ve called this new trend a “Fake Instagram” when it actually shows off their real side. It’s a place where they don’t feel judged. Where they can post silly faces. A place where they can act their age.

How is that a bad thing?

Sure, some out there will use it for the wrong reason…but what if your daughter just wants to express herself without worrying about anyone judging her?

Then you come in, interrogate, snoop and punish her for it. Well we all know by now that just creates rebelious behaviour, and that my friend is a one way ticket to…bad-relationship-ville (also not a thing – I do not claim this one…so you can have it when you tell your friends about this post).

It’s just not the right way to handle it.

The ONLY way you should handle this is to ask them point blank if they have one…and…if they’re just using it for silly photos. If they’re not comfortable showing you, that doesn’t automatically mean they’re hiding a lingerie modelling portfolio. It might just mean they’ve got pictures on there of something embarrassing they wouldn’t want their parents seeing.

It’s your call.

But whatever you decide, at least you now have a good answer when your friends ask you: what is a finsta…

Oh…and…if you don’t believe me about how much time people spend on their “Real Instagram” accounts. Check out this hilarious article from a girl who tried to get Instagram famous in a month: Click here